Tub To Shower Conversion: 7 Helpful Tips For A Quick Replacement

Is your bathtub looking a little worse for wear? Are you starting to think about ways to replace it? If so, you might be interested in learning more about tub to shower conversion.According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), nearly half of all homeowners renovate their bathrooms specifically to include a shower stall in place of a bathtub.

Homeowners prefer this because conversion can be a quick and affordable way to get a new shower most of the time without having to tear out your entire bathroom.

This blog post will give you seven tips for making the conversion process as smooth as possible. Keep reading to learn more.

1. What is a Tub to Shower Conversion?

A tub-to-shower conversion is replacing a bathtub with a shower stall. This can be done for various reasons, including wanting more space in your bathroom, needing more accessible access to bathing and showering, or wanting to update the look and feel of your bathroom.

There are many ways to convert a bathtub into a shower, including replacing the fixture with one with both tub and shower functions or installing an entirely new unit that only provides showers.

The latter option tends to be more expensive than the former because it requires the installation of additional plumbing lines.

2. The Benefits of replacing your bathtub with walk-in shower

There are many benefits to converting your bathtub into a shower, including saving water and energy costs. In addition, replacing an outdated tub or installing new fixtures can increase the value of your home by up to 20%.

For homeowners who want more flexibility when it comes time to renovate their bathrooms, removing old bathroom components and replacing them with new ones is a great way to achieve this goal.

Tubs can also take up more space than showers, so removing one of these fixtures may be necessary for those who are short on room.

For example, if you’re looking into converting an existing bathroom into an en suite master bath or adding another full-sized bathroom to your home, a tub-to-shower conversion may be the best way to go.

3. Quick and affordable tub to shower conversion tips

If you’re considering a tub-to-shower conversion, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier on yourself and save some money in the process:

Tip One

If you’re removing an old bathtub, try to find a contractor who can also remove the old fixtures and dispose of them for you. This will save you from having to hire two separate contractors and could end up costing you less in the long run.

Tip Two

Ask your contractor about installing a low-profile shower stall instead of one with a high ledge. Low-profile showers are easier to step into and can make the bathroom feel more spacious, which is especially helpful if you’re working with limited space in your home.

Tip Three

Determine whether or not it’s possible to install an extra-wide shower stall that will accommodate multiple people at once. This may be worth considering if you have a large family with small children or frequently host guests in your home.

Tip Four

Don’t forget to ask about the cost of upgrading water pressure during installation because high-quality fixtures require higher water pressures than standard ones do. You may also want to consider installing grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, or other safety features to make the shower area as safe and accessible as possible.

Tip Five

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to give your bathroom a fresh look, consider installing new tile or other decorative features around the shower stall.

This can be a relatively affordable way to add some personality and style to your bathroom without doing any major renovations.

4.How to make the process smoother and easier

In addition to following these tips, there are a few other things you can do to help make your tub-to-shower conversion go more smoothly:

Make sure that you have enough space in your bathroom before starting the project. This will help ensure there are no surprises during installation, and it also enables you to figure out whether or not a tub-to-shower conversion is suitable for your home.
Find a contractor who can remove old fixtures without major changes to plumbing lines in the area. This will help keep installation costs down and may make the process less disruptive for you and your family.
If you're unsure about what type of shower to install, ask your contractor for advice. They should recommend a model that fits both your needs and your budget.
When choosing a contractor, look for someone who has experience with tub-to-shower conversions. This will help ensure that the final product looks great and functions properly.
Make sure to check references before hiring any contractor. You should also ask them if they offer free estimates to know exactly what your project will cost.

5. Discover how the shower conversion works

It’s time to say goodbye to your old tub and hello to a new walk-in shower. Replacing a tub with a shower is one of the most popular home renovations, making it easier for homeowners to bathe their way. Here is how things work:

Measurements

Measurements will inform you how much space to leave for things like plumbing and how to prevent a build-up of water in either the shower or tub.

Choose a replacement unit that meets your needs

When choosing a replacement unit, it is essential to select one that meets your needs. For example, you may want a corner tub/shower combo to save space or a neo-angle tub if you want more room to move around.

If you are unsure of what style to purchase, contact a local contractor who can help find the best solution for your home.

Check for water damage

Replacing your tub with a shower is a big decision. One that should not be taken lightly. Before making the switch, it is important to check for water damage and other signs of wear on the replacement unit. This will help you avoid any costly repairs in the future.

Remove the old shower pan and tile and install a new shower floor

Converting a tub to a shower is not a DIY project. That’s why you’ll need an expert to do it for you. A professional contractor can handle everything from removing the existing tub to installing the new walk-in shower properly.

This process includes removing the old tile bathroom floor and installing a new waterproofing membrane. In most cases, this is a necessary step to ensure that your shower lasts for years to come.

Make any necessary plumbing connections and test for leaks

One step not usually mentioned is checking for leaks. A little water in the wrong place can ruin a wood floor or lower your insulation value, so ask your contractor to check – and seal, if need be – both sewer lines and main water supply before leaving.

Once the plumbing is in place, it’s time for a final test. Turn on the water and check for any leaks

Add finishing touches

There are a few finishing touches that can make your new shower look great, especially after a tub-to-shower remodel. Consider adding new ceramic tile around the shower wall or installing a new shower curtain, and storage options to give a stylish and practical update.

You may also want to add new accessories, such as a new soap dish or towel rack. By taking the time to add these finishing touches, you can create a bathroom that looks stunning and functions even better.

Be sure to choose accessories that are both stylish and durable, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

6. The cost of replacement

The average cost of converting a tub to a walk-in shower is around $1,500. This price can vary depending on the size of the tub and the materials used for the conversion. Several factors can affect the overall cost, including:

The type of tub being replaced (clawfoot tubs are typically more expensive to replace than standard bathtubs).
The type of shower installation (custom conversions will be more costly than a pre-made shower kit).
The length and complexity of the plumbing installation process (checking existing pipes, installing new plumbing pipes, and other plumbing work).
Any additional costs associated with removing and disposing of the old tub and installing new flooring or tile.
Whether the shower will be installed on an existing concrete slab or a wooden subfloor.
The quality of materials used in shower installation, such as water-resistant drywall or tile grout.
The amount of time it takes to complete each step in the conversion process.

It’s important to consider all of these factors when calculating the cost of a tub to shower conversion. For many homeowners, the expense is worth it for a modern shower stall’s added convenience and comfort.

7. How to find a contractor for your project?

One last stop in having a quick tub replacement is finding a contractor for your project. With so many offers available, it’s almost impossible to know who to choose from the start. That’s why we created a checklist so that you can find the best contractor for your conversion.

By following these simple steps, you can find the perfect contractor for your tub-to-shower conversion and ensure a smooth, stress-free process.

Conclusion

No matter what size your bathroom is, converting a tub into a shower will make it easier for everyone in the household. It’s not just about adding convenience and comfort; other benefits come with installing a modern walk-in shower stall: like lower water bills, improved air quality, and less time spent cleaning up after bathing.

If you’re considering converting your outdated bathtub into an efficient new shower, get in touch with us for more information or schedule a consultation.

Ace Bath specializes in complete remodeling projects, including plumbing installation or conversion from baths to showers. Contact us today! We would be more than happy to help.